The middle of school holidays and a long weekend so if your travelling you know you can expect delays going and coming back on Monday, stay patient.If you're staying in town, what do we have in store to get you out and about? Just a bit.....The Lord's Taverners 10th Anniversary Dinner is on tonight st the Trinity Sports Centre in Dawson Street at 6:30pm with special guest speaker, Winter Olympic Gold Medalist, Steven Bradbury. For spontaneous tickets get into Lismore Timezone Watchmakers (corner of Keen and Magellan Streets) and ask Graeme Hoskins or call him on (02) 6621 3944. Tickets are $75 each. Your support continues to help young people in Lismore achieve their dream whether it be through their chosen sports or education or by giving someone less fortunate a chance in life.Second Hand Saturday has it's 'Left Over' day tomorrow from 8am to 5pm. If you couldn't get around to all of the 700+ garage sales last weekend then this is your chance to hunt for more bargains. Head to the Second Hand Saturday button on the Lismore App of download their app through the App Store or Google Play.The Lismore Heights Sports Club has their 'Hollywood at the Heights' theme night if you are after something a bit different on Saturday.Markets, markets everywhere is the mainstay of this weekends activities. Here's the rundown;For fresh produce and a great breakfast head to the Lismore Farmers Markets at the Showground or the Blue Knob Markets from 8am and 8:30am.If you're after something that has been loved or handmade, then the Lismore Vintage and Handmade Markets are on tomorrow between 10am and 2pm.Then on Sunday, the Lismore Car Boot Markets are on at the Square from 7:30am with even more to browse and purchase.A reminder that the 134th Lismore Show is in countdown mode with only 13 days to go. Lock the dates away Thursday October 17, Friday October 18 and Saturday October 19. Tickets are on sale now https://lismoretickets.com.au/event/lismore-show-2019-10128 for $12.50 for adults (kids under 16 are free) or you can win one of 10 double passes on the WIN! button of the Lismore App main page. Entries close next Wednesday.Normally we can expect some rain around Lismore Show time but at this early stage the weather is looking good for the three days with maximums of 27/28 degrees. This weekend is also looking good with tops of 26 and the slight chance of rain in the late afternoon on Saturday.Have an awesome long weekend, travel safe and don't forget Daylight Saving kicks in this Sunday morning so set your clocks forward one hour.

Lismore Chamber of Commerce member Ellen Kronen’s personal experience of being on Newstart gave her the passion to get the Chamber of Commerce to back the national campaign the raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance. “I was made redundant after 20 years with the same employer,” Ellen said.“I had a plan to start my own business but then I broke my wrist. “Then I ran out of savings and forced to go onto Newstart.”Ellen is part of a diverse alliance of businesses, charities and affected citizens – as well as Lismore City Council - who came together this week to call for the federal government to immediately raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance.In Lismore, there are 2,223 people on Newstart and 617 people on Youth Allowance. Ellen said a $75 a week raise to allowances would inject an extra $11.11 million into the Lismore economy.“It means jobs and a happier life for people and the business community,” she said.“I received $537 a fortnight on Newstart and was lucky my father supported me, or I probably would have been homeless. “At the time, I was trying to pay the mortgage on a house but it was hard.“I couldn’t get access to my superannuation so I sold the house and got rid of my mortgage.“It’s depressing and it changed my attitude to money, living on less than $40 a day.Now, Ellen has a casual job which means more security for her.“Now I’m not so worried about how to pay the rent,” she said. “I’m still careful with my money after trying to scrape by on Newstart, but I know spending my money helps local business. “Now I shop locally to help Lismore. You can find everything you need here. Ageing demographicShelley Hayes is 64, and also on Newstart.She said she had been working as a teacher and then had burnout and depression and was hospitalised and lost her job. “I was forced to go onto Newstart in 2017 and wouldn’t have survived without being able to access my superannuation,” she said. “I’m over 60 so was allowed to access it, but younger people don’t have the opportunity to do that.“There are lots of single older women like me in the same position and it’s hard. “Lots of them are couch surfing or living in their cars. As you get older there’s less opportunity for work and employers need to recognise the ageing demographic.“We need to raise the rate enough to live on.Dumpster divingKashmir Miller, 19, is on youth allowance and received $300 a fortnight to live on. She’s studying environmental science at Southern Cross University and works part time.“It’s stressful studying and trying to work too,” she said. “It takes a toll on my emotional and mental wellbeing. “I always prioritise what I buy – there’s no luxuries and I don’t eat meat so that saves money - and I dumpster dive. “It’s always in the back of my mind how I can afford the next bill.“It is time to raise the rate and start treating students fairly and investing in the future of young ambitious Australians.”"You cannot get by on $40 a day"Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) Raise the Rate campaign coordinator Pas Forgione said Lismore has shown strong support for the campaign. “Lismore City Council and the Chamber of Commerce are behind it, and we need to get more local politicians like Kevin Hogan to listen,” he said.“The local community has come together with a clear message: you cannot get by on $40 a day.“In 20 years, there’s been no real change in the amount of money for Newstart and people are struggling. “Once people pay the rent there’s little left to live on.”Rental unaffordabilityCurrently, anyone wishing to rent a property in Lismore can expect to pay the median weekly rent of $338 for a house or $248 for a unit.That would mean Newstart recipients would not be able to afford to rent a house on their own because they'd be out of pocket by $138.And if they were renting a unit, they'd only have $32 after their rent was paid - leaving them with $4.57 a day to live off.“We can do better,” Pas said. “It’s not acceptable that unemployed people have to skip meals and can’t buy medicine because of a lack of money.”Psychological stressSocial Futures senior program manager Cathy Severnty said her organisation worked with hundreds of people who were struggling and suffering psychological stress as a result.“It’s harmful to constantly have to ask people for help with food vouchers,” she said.“One woman we are working with is doing the housework and maintenance for cheaper rent. “The low income of Newstart makes people vulnerable to exploitation - and Youth Allowance is less than Newstart. “If people had more money, they could make different choices.“Raising the rate will not only help people to better afford essential items, it will reduce pressure on charity organisations while also increasing economic benefits for local communities - improving people’s wellbeing, security and health.”Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said Lismore City Council is glad to support the campaign as “it’s good for the community”."Lismore City Council voted unanimously to join the campaign, calling for the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance to be raised. “The rate hasn't been raised in 25 years and is so low that it traps people in the cycle of poverty, where they’re unable to meet their basic costs of living.“With rising rates of homelessness, compounded by our local rental shortages, the impacts are far reaching across our community.Both Lismore City Council and Lismore Chamber of Commerce recently made submissions to the Senate inquiry on Newstart and related payments, along with Shelly and Kashmir. The Senate inquiry finished collecting submissions this Monday and will shortly commence hearings.

Like many others, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith loves to eat a dagwood dog at the Lismore Show while under the fireworks and looking at the ring events. He’s one of the many people that visit the North Coast National Show every year – and it's the second biggest show in NSW. Win tickets to the 2019 Lismore Show!Mr Smith said he’s happy that Lismore City Council is giving the North Coast National Show a boost this year to help it out with a $10,000 grant from Council’s Major Events Fund.“The North Coast National is recognised as one of Lismore’s signature events that attracts tens of thousands of people every year,” Mr Smith said."It is a great community event that injects money into our local economy. It is also a chance for our local producers to show off their produce.”North Coast National Secretary Mark Bailey said the significant amount of funding from Council “is what enables us to put the show on”. “Lismore City Council has been supportive of the show since its beginning,” Mr Bailey said. “It’s important to keep the show and the showground facilities running because it’s a valuable asset and is used 186 nights a year."About 200,000 people come to the showground every year.“It’s the biggest crown reserve land area north of Newcastle to the Queensland border.“It’s not only used for the Lismore Show, but we also host Gemfest, Tropical Fruits, the Outdoor Leisure Show - and next weekend a major auctioneer will be holding an auction here.“Now Alstonville Pony Club is also using the showgrounds.“People come to stay from other states when they are in town - when the Show is on, virtually every motel in Lismore is full.“And the rates charges and licences from the use of the showgrounds feeds back into the community and supports businesses and tourism to the area.”This year’s North Coast National opens on Thursday, October 17 and runs until Saturday, October 19. Mr Bailey said he expected more even more people through the gate this year than the 200,000 last year. “Last year when we decided to cut the gate price by one third for adults and made it free for children, 200,000 people came through the gates,” he said.This year’s show will see big rides coming to the event for the first time in Sideshow Alley.Mr Bailey said the ride holders were drawn in by the large numbers of attendees. There will also be the rodeo, live bands, sideshow alley, the pavilions with entries of baking, vegetables and scarecrows, the woodchop event, Aboriginal art and the TURSA Art prize on display.“And the entries into the beef cattle division are at 250 cattle this year,” Mr Bailey said. “Which is great considering we have a drought on and the Tenterfield area has been through massive fires.” Tickets to the Show cost $12.50 per adult. Children under 16 are free. Tickets are available at www.northcoastnational.com.au

It’s bigger, faster, less noisy, has built-in video and music - and you don’t have to hold your breath. It’s not a ride at the Lismore Show – it’s Lismore Base Hospital’s new MRI machine.The new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine - weighing 6.5 tonnes - has been installed at Lismore Base Hospital this week as the $320 million redevelopment continues. The state of the art Philips Elition X 3T MRI will be part of the new Imaging Department within the North Tower that is currently under construction. This new MRI will bring innovative technology to the region, providing the opportunity for 50% faster scan times at 60% greater resolution than the old machine, which has served the hospital since 2012 and has taken around 9.6 million images. Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, said the existing MRI currently in use was not suitable to be transferred into the new building, as it was nearly due for replacement. “We’re taking this opportunity to purchase a new machine, one that can scan without the need for patients to hold their breath and it can correct for movement much better than the old machine,” Mr Hatton said. Pictured: The new MRI machine was craned into the hospital through the side of the new tower.“These new features can reduce the amount of rescanning by 70%.“The inbuilt immersive audio visual features including synchronised video and music also means an improved experience for all patients. “This, combined with an 80% noise reduction, also makes the MRI better for children and claustrophobic patients.” The MRI was lifted in through the side of the building by a crane due to its size and weight. A specially designed room has been built to house the MRI, with copper lining to shield images from radio frequency interference when in use. The new North Tower, to be known within the hospital as “F Block”, will provide increased inpatient capacity, a greater range of critical care services, and improved facilities for patients and staff. The North Tower construction is on target for completion in December 2019, followed by a commissioning period and staged relocation of existing departments during the first quarter of 2020.

Lismore Police have made a quick arrest after a Break and Enter overnight.In a Richmond District Police Facebook statement, police will allege that at 1.40am this morning a juvenile and two other people have broken into a house on Oakley Avenue. “They have stolen screwdrivers from a garage and then entered the house,” the statement said.“ They have stolen electronic devices, a purse and jewellery. “Some items were stolen right next to the residents while they were asleep, only 50cm away. “A resident has awoken and yelled at the offenders. “This seemed to have scared them and they ran away.“Police tracked the juvenile to a Clarice Street address where they were arrested. “Property stolen from Oakley avenue was seized.“The juvenile has been charged with Aggravated Break Enter and Steal, and Malicious Damage. “A decision on bail is currently being made. “Investigations are continuing into the identity of the other offenders.”

Work on the South Lismore Flood Mitigation Works Project is ready to start in the next couple of weeks and Lismore City Council are ready to hear from residents with questions about the project.The project aims to reduce peak flood water levels in the CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore.Lismore City Council have recently appointed SEE Civil as the principal contractor to undertake bulk earthworks.The $8.2 million project funded by the NSW Government involves diverting floodwater overflow from Leycester Creek around the Lismore Regional Airport. This includes the excavation of 410,000m³ of material from a 58-hectare parcel of Council land.Flood modelling (Worley Parsons, 2016) suggests the project should reduce peak water levels in the CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore by as much as 100mm in a 1-in-100-year flood event. The excavated material will be used to fill nearby industrial land within Lismore’s floodplain and facilitate the expansion of the South Lismore Industrial Estate.Preliminary works are already underway with Council recently relocating two major sewer mains. They have been ‘bedded’ (backfilled with material to protect the pipe) using 1500 tonnes of crushed glass from the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre.Lismore City Council Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said “this is a great example of reusing a waste material plus there is a significant cost saving to the project from using this bedding material opposed to traditional crushed rock”. “This project was endorsed by the Lismore Floodplain Management Committee and is part of a range of measures detailed in the Lismore Flood Mitigation Plan to help safeguard the community and increase disaster resilience,” he said.“Council and SEE Civil are consulting with affected landowners this week to ensure they are fully informed and aware of the scope of the works.”NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project was vital for Lismore.“I was thrilled to stand alongside the then Member for Lismore Thomas George earlier this year to announce $8.2 million in NSW Government funding for this vital project,” he said.“This is a great example of the NSW Government, Council and the community working together to get the best outcome.”Council is overseeing the project, but NSW Public Works Advisory will project manage the construction on Council’s behalf. Work is expected to take 12 months to complete.Council has developed a Your Say Lismore page on its website with information and a Q&A section where residents can ask questions. Affected landowners can also call Council direct with any queries.For more information go to yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au and click on the South Lismore Flood Mitigation Works page.

The 2019 North Coast National 'Lismore Show' has entered the countdown phase with only 15 days to go until the gates open at 10am on Thursday October 17.Take a look at this video which gives you the highlights of last years Lismore Show (push the picture below).North Coast National Secretary, Mark Bailey said "with one of the worst droughts in Australia's history, we have had amazing community support especially from those farmers in the middle of this drought"."Entries are up in some sections and equal to 2018 in other areas which is a phenomenal result given the circumstances," he said.Mark went on to say that because of last years near record numbers and exhibitors that all sponsors and trade exhibitors are back bigger and better than ever."This year we are spending $140,000 on entertainment which includes the Monster Trucks, the Fireworks displays, the Betta Living Trick Motorbike Riders and the massive Rodeo on Saturday night to wrap up this years show," he went on to explain.The Lismore App and North Coast National are giving you the chance to win 10 double passes to this years Lismore Show. To enter head to the WIN! button on the main page and fill in your details and hit 'submit'.Entries close next Wednesday October 9 at 4pm with the winners drawn on Thursday October 10. Winners will be notified via your mobile and email address.The 2019 Lismore Show promises to be one of the best yet. What we can do as a community is to get as many people as possible through the gates to show support to the farmers and exhibitors so they know we are behind them.The North Coast National website has a schedule of events for cattle judging, horse jumping and showing, dog activities, the woodchop challenge and more http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/. The Lismore App will also have a Lismore Show button on the main page from this Sunday to allow you to view the details through your mobile phone.

If you didn’t get a chance to get out and about to the hundreds of garage sales across the Northern Rivers region last Saturday, your chance to grab the leftovers is here.This Saturday, October 5, garages, driveways and lawns will again be covered in second hand goods for sale - in Second Hand Saturday Part 2.Second Hand Saturday organiser, Linda Tohver from the North East Waste Forum, said she had received positive feedback from people enjoying participating in the social day, with an environmental message. “When I was out and about looking at garage sales last Saturday, I spoke to a man who was travelling around with his mother in law,” she said.“It was 10.30am and he’d been to 20 garage sales and was going to keep going till he’d been to 50 of them. “He and his wife make a shopping list of what they need for the kids and wait to get it second hand – and be a part of the circular economy. “He has enough money to buy new stuff, but believes there’s too much stuff in the world.”“I found something for each member of my family – a book on airplanes for my son for $2 and a cool light for my daughters room and some jam for my husband.“Lots of shoppers on the day travelled from beyond the region to come to this event - maybe it brings in tourism as well.”To find out where this Saturday’s garage sales are, either check your local newspaper with the listings of garage sales, download the Second Hand Saturday App, or download the excel spreadsheet from the website http://www.secondhandsaturday.com.au/Garage sale addresses will be live on the App on Thursday.

Keeping stories and history alive, Bundjalung-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri, Ni-Vanuatu man Thomas E.S. Kelly is ready to develop his first full length solo work, YARN (working title) at Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA).Thomas will begin a three week residency with NORPA this October as part of the theatre company’s Indigenous Makers Studio initiative.YARN (working title) is a collection of Aboriginal stories to be shared through a physical and theatrical performance. The new solo work choreographed and performed by Thomas – who is also Karul Projects artistic director - will use his evolving, movement vocabulary, fused with stories of humour, happiness, triumph, tragedy and creation.  “Aboriginal culture is an oral culture,” Thomas said.“Our stories were not written down but were documented through the passing down of our stories verbally.“As the world moves forward we risk losing these stories, these histories, especially with our knowledge keepers getting older.” “In developing this work I will be connecting with community members of specifically Bundjalung-Yugambeh to learn more stories about the animals, plants and country. “Through this process we will also identify which stories are allowed to be told in a public setting.” Thomas graduated in 2012 from NAISDA Dance College and has since worked with Vicki Van Hout, Shaun Parker and Company, Branch Nebula, ERTH, Chunky Move, Dancenorth, The FARM, Tasdance, Outer Urban Projects and Urban Theatre Projects. His Green Room winning work [MIS]CONCEIVE was presented at NORPA in 2018. Thomas is the 2018 Dreaming Award Recipient and a 2019 American Australian Association Alumni. In 2017 Thomas created Karul Projects an indigenous led theatre company, now based in South East Queensland. “I have been fortunate to spend some time at NORPA over the past few years and the opportunity of growing a relationship with NORPA and the Indigenous Makers Studio was a key element in my decision to relocate north after 11 years in Sydney,” he said.“I love the vibe of NORPA and the safety that the organisation has in regards to cultural knowledge and protocol. As this will be my first full length solo work I believe NORPA is the best place for me to explore what this means for my practice.” NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio supports emerging and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists originating from or based in NSW to deepen their performing arts practice, hone their professional skills and develop ideas for new works. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the country’s leading Indigenous performing arts education centres, NAISDA and ACPA and is made possible by a grant from Creative Koori, the NSW Government's Arts and Cultural Development Program. So far in 2019 NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio has hosted a two-week intensive residency for five emerging artists across regional NSW with Frances Rings and Kirk Page and a two week residency for Bundjalung Yaegl performer Mitch King to research and develop a new work Flow. Thomas E.S. Kelly’s residency to develop YARN is the final component of NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio initiative for 2019. Thomas will present an informal work-in-progress showing of YARN at the NORPA Studio on Thursday, September 17 at 5:30pm. All are welcome. For more information about the showing or Indigenous Makers Studio contact Valley Lipcer at creativeprograms@norpa.org.au

Shailyn Gooley, 13, has a goal to represent NSW in hockey. So, when she and her mum Tracey Gooley received news that Shailyn had won a Local Sporting Champions Award grant, they were both excited.Shailyn, along with 32 other young people in the Northern Rivers region were presented with certificates this week by Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan at a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea.Each of the young champions also received $550-$750 to support them in their sporting endeavors as they represent our community at Regional, State, National and International events in their chosen sport.Shailyn comes from a sporting family and started playing hockey with her mum when she was five years old.Tracey said that the costs of taking part in numerous sports was expensive and the award money really helped Shailyn to go further in her sporting activities.“Shailyn also has a love of gymnastics, dance and aerobics – being in a regional area it’s difficult to go to different places for further coaching and training," she said.“With a bit of financial help, we can now do more.” “I still love all the sports I do so much - I want it to do all of them,” Shailyn said.Shailyn with Kevin Hogan at the award morning tea.Shailyn also competed with her dance company Amazon Dance and Aerobics at the Australian National Club Carnival in the Gold Coast and there was an entry fee as well as travelling costs. “She was also in the team that won the under 13s state championship hockey division 2 with Far North Coast Hockey in July,” Tracey said.“That was expensive because it was in Parkes and we did fund raising in the lead up to that.“Shailyn was proud and humbled to be selected and win the gold medal. She worked hard training for it.”Tracey and Shailyn worked together on the application for the award and made a budget for Shailyn’s sporting activities.“She wants to go further and represent NSW in hockey."Shailyn dancing. At the a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea, Mr Hogan said “those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage". The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport. “The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” Mr Hogan said. “Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. “I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants. “Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy. “I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office.”For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.auThe Northern Rivers Sporting Champions who received award grants are: •     Padraig Heffernan,13, NSW All School Cross Country Championships•     Charlotte Gilliland, 13, 2019 NSW Junior Track & Field Championships•     Ember Evans, 16, 2019 NSWPSSA All Schools State Cross Country Championships•     Marlin Corbett, 15, All Schools 15 And Under National Championships•     Jake Connolly, 13, Little League State Titles•     Alex Poole, 12, 2019 Little League National Championships•     Julian Thompson, 16, NSWCHS Championships Boys Basketball•     Chloe Bull, 13, 2019 QLD U14 Girls State Championships•     Dean Sneesby, 11, Bad Boy National Championships BMX 2019•     Joshua Lee, 16, 2019 ICF Wildwater Canoeing Junior & U23 World Championships•     Olivia Osborne, 17, 2019 U17 Girls NSW Cricket State Challenge•     Freya Kirbach, 14, Football Queensland Community Cup•     Wyley Drew, 16, Community Cup•     Oliver Rixon, 14, 2019 National Youth Championships For Boys•     Jade Parkin, 14, FFA 2019 National Youth Championship For Girls•     Shailyn Gooley, 13, 2019 Hockey NSW U13 Girls State Field Hockey Championships•     Rohan Allsopp, 17, 2019 MTBA National Championships•     Taya Cottee, 15, Netball NSW Senior State Titles•     Ellie-May Thomas, 14, Junior State Titles•     Lyla Johnston, 14, State Age Championships - Netball NSW•     Amy-Lee O'Donnell, 14, Netball NSW State Age Championships•     Amaria Royal, 13, 2019 Junior State Titles•     Kailei Royal, 13, 2019 Junior State Titles•     Eliza Herman, 13, Netball NSW Junior State Titles•     Skyla Pope, 13, Junior State Titles•     Jessica Farragher, 15, State Age Netball•     Chloe Gray, 13, Junior State Titles•     Macy Butler, 15, State Championships•     Kali Yopp, 15, Netball NSW State Titles•     Tanayah Harley, 15, 2019 NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Championships•     Oscar Kennett, 14, 2019 NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Championships•     Payton Schweizer, 14, 2019 QLD State Age Tennis Championships•     Neve Schweizer, 13, 2019 QLD State Age Tennis Championships•     Lennox Rowe, 16, 2019 Regional Touch Football Championships

A man under police guard in Lismore Base Hospital has been charged over an alleged armed robbery in the Northern Rivers region.About 9.05am yesterday, Monday, September 30, a 33-year-old man attended a pharmacy on Sandilands St, Bonalbo.Richmond District Police will allege the man threatened two employees – a 49-year-old female and 57-year-old man – with a syringe and demanded Methadone.He took prescription medication before leaving the pharmacy.Officers from Richmond Police District attended the scene a short time later before locating the man in nearby bushland.He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital where he remains under police guard.He was charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon, armed with intent to commit indictable offence and common assault.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court via bedside hearing today, Tuesday, October 1.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL) users may not be able to access the library catalogue online tomorrow, Wednesday October 2, while the library is upgrading its online catalogue system.The library is still open and library users can still go into the library and borrow or return books.However, throughout the day, library users may not be able to access the library catalogue, their library account, book a computer or access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. In short, anything that requires library patrons to use their library card to login won’t be available - as work is carried out on an upgrade to the system. RTRL Regional Library Manager, Jo Carmody said “upgrades are necessary to keep the catalogue integrating seamlessly with our other library technologies, such as the library website, and the library app”.“It is expected that there will be minimal disruption to service, and when we are back online you will notice a new, streamlined look and enhanced searching capabilities,” she said.The library thanks patrons for their patience during this process.

If you are living on Newstart allowance, how hard is it to stretch your money to pay rent, bills, food and travelling costs?Your stories of doing it tough and living on the dole are needed at a free forum held at Lismore Workers Club this Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.The forum, looking at how we tackle inequality and disadvantage in Lismore and throughout NSW, is hosted by ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service) and NCOSS (NSW Council of Social Service).Pas Forgione from ACOSS said the forum is for people who are directly affected by living on a low income.“The feedback ACOSS receives will be used to influence future campaigns to see the rate of unemployment benefits raised,” Pas said.“From inadequate income support payments and unaffordable housing to expensive power bills and lack of assistance for those looking for work, much more must be done to support those doing it tough.“We will bring together the experts and those directly affected by economic and social inequality, along with the rest of community, to discuss how we can address inequality and work together to achieve positive social change.”Pas said people are doing their best to get by, and the main challenge is that there’s still not enough money to cover expenses.“At the same time, the number of job vacancies is smaller than the number of people competing for the jobs,” he said.“In Lismore, the local Council supports raising Newstart – and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce is the first one on Australia to back raising Newstart.“Lismore is punching above its weight when it comes to having strong concerns about tackling poverty.“Having these organisations of board shows the wonderful work happening there already.“There’s also been local Lismore residents who have travelled to Canberra to talk about these issues in Parliament.”If you wish to attend the forum, it is open to everyone and will be fully catered at Lismore Workers Club on Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.

If you have a project designed to inspire young people to be physically active and eat healthy food, you can now apply for a Healthy Communities Northern Rivers grant.Schools and community organisations across the Northern Rivers are invited to apply for grants of up to $4000 to support health and wellbeing projects for young people. The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is funding the $40,000 grant program, as part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers initiative. The grants are designed to inspire projects that make it easier for young people aged 13-24 to be physically active and eat healthy food. Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said many of the behaviours that increase the risk of chronic disease - smoking, drinking alcohol, eating junk food and low levels of physical activity- start in adolescence. “Teenagers may not care much about the risk of chronic disease in the future, so our focus is on how to increase their wellbeing and help them feel good now,” Ms Adams said. “One of the criteria for the grants is that young people are involved in planning the projects. The ideas need to come from young people, because they know what sort of activities will work best for them.”The grant program was launched at a Youth Health and Wellbeing event in Ballina on 24 September which highlighted the latest research about the links between physical activity and wellbeing for young people - and showcased innovative youth programs. Healthy Communities Northern Rivers was established by NNSWLHD in 2018 to bring government, non-government and community organisations together to address rising levels of chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. The youth grants are part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers action plan for building communities that make it is easier for people to make healthy choices, such as being physically active and eating healthy food. For grant application forms, visit the Health Communities Northern Rivers website at https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/health-promotion/healthy-communities

Over three days last weekend, October 27-29, the 20th Lismore Masters Games brought over 1600 of sports players on the wrong side of 30 to Lismore for competition and social fun.Lismore City Council Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said competitor numbers were up by 10% on previous years.“It was the biggest Masters Games in six years,” Mitch said.“Feedback from the business community has been great.“Beneficiaries from visitors to Lismore include pubs, restaurants and cafes who told us they had a massive weekend of business."Other industries contributing to the needs of people here who said they had a large increase in people through the doors and sales were chemists, sports shops and petrol stations.“The Rous hotel in Lismore said it was the biggest weekend of the year for them.”Mitch said the organisers of the Masters Games were running a post event survey to look at the economic impact of the event on the region. “We’d like everybody to feed back to us via our website,” Mitch said.Mitch said the official celebration for the event at the Lismore Workers Club on Friday night, with live music and dancing, brought lots of teams out and the “atmosphere involved plenty of laughs”.“In the day, there was competition on field, but that night we saw people in teams having a great time and networking with each other,” he said.“Sure we give out gold, silver and bronze medals, but it’s about having fun.“Sports teams were scattered across the city in various pubs and restaurants and there was a buzz in the air. “Friday night was the bigger night for Lismore businesses as people got into the socialising on the first day.“A lot of the players don’t participate in sports regularly and only jump in and do the Masters Games once every two years, so they tend to let their hair out on the first night and take it easier on Saturday night.”Mitch said that feedback from sports groups was that this year’s event was the “smoothest” running event yet.“The weather played a big in that,” he said. “There was no wet weather, so the logistics went smoothly with the competition draws. “The coordination of sports went really well too and that was thanks to the local volunteers doing that. Without them and the support of people in various sports, there wouldn’t be a game. Mitch said he enjoyed watching the cricket at the Masters Games.“The Cads team from Casino were 9 wickets down with one ball to go and batsman hit the ball over the boundary to win the game," he saidThat was the highlight for me.“They were the gold medal winners for cricket and beat a Queensland team in the final game – it was very exciting.”For more information about the Lismore Masters Games, or give feedback about the event, visit https://www.lismoremastersgames.com.au/Or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lismoremastersgames/

Lismore Base Hospital Midwife Robin Stabler has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Midwifery category of the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.Robin has been nominated for for being an integral part of the team, strong person-centred beliefs, and for being a strong advocate of her profession.She’s one of the nurses and midwives from the Northern NSW Local Health District who are among 43 statewide finalists nominated for the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.The finalists have been selected from nominations in 12 categories which recognise nurses and midwives who have made a difference in clinical practice, research, management and leadership.Registered Nurse Sally Smith from The Tweed Hospital has also been named a finalist in the Excellence in Nursing category for her strong team and work ethic, her excellent ability to build positive rapport with patients, and for being a role model on the wards.Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health Katharine Duffy said the awards recognise the contribution and of nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system.“These awards are an opportunity to honour nurses and midwives across NSW who go above and beyond and make a real difference not only within their teams but most importantly, to our patients,” Ms Duffy said.Health professionals across the state nominated nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system for 11 of the award categories.Members of the public living in NSW were eligible to vote for the Consumer Appreciation Award, the 12th category, which recognises nurses and midwives who demonstrate outstanding patient care and support of families and carers.Over 53,000 nurses and midwives are working in full-time and part-time positions in NSW Health hospitals and health services.The Awards ceremony will be held in Sydney on October 1 at the International Convention Centre.The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion to recruit 8,300 extra frontline staff over the next four years, including an additional 5000 more nurses and midwives.For more information on the 2019 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/enma/Pages/default.aspx

New prostate cancer treatments offered in Lismore have brought the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) onto the global stage.NNSWLHD is being recognised as a leader in cancer treatment, with world-first programs that improve healthcare for regional patients. Radiation Oncologist with North Coast Cancer Institute Lismore, Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare, is involved in projects evaluating new techniques in prostate cancer treatment, which he showcased at an international conference last week. A/Prof Shakespeare presented two papers at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) annual meeting in Chicago, which attracts around 10,000 delegates from around the world. “The first paper was an evaluation of patient involvement in choosing their cancer treatment through shared decision-making with their oncologist,” A/Prof Shakespeare said. Patients involved in the research were provided with a decision aid to help them choose between two radiation therapy options in the cure of prostate cancer. “This high degree of patient involvement is a world first, putting the patient at the centre of their care planning alongside their treating specialist.” A/ Professor Shakespeare’s second presentation discussed the outcomes of world-leading research involving men from the North and Mid North Coast areas using PET scans to help target radiation therapy to the prostate and lymph nodes. “In the past, men with prostate cancer which has spread to the lymph glands were thought to be incurable, but modern advances in radiation therapy and PET scan imaging mean we can offer curative radiation,” he said.“The early results show that after two years, 100% of patients had their prostate cancer controlled, with minimal side-effects.“It brings new hope for men whose prostate cancer has escaped from the prostate, that there is a potential for a cure.”NNSWLHD has a strong focus on clinical trials and quality assurance programs, building on its research and innovation capacity since NCCI first opened in 2010. “Everything that we do in research is about helping the people in our community by providing world-class locally-based services,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

Two Lismore Landcare groups are set to benefit from an unfortunate error.Earlier this year, contractors installing the new fence around Goonellabah PS, removed several trees in the grounds of Lismore Theatre Company’s (LTC) Rochdale Theatre. Fortunately the NSW Department of Education accepted responsibility for the error and paid LTC compensation for the loss under the local tree protection arrangements for native species.The compensation received not only allows LTC to plant replacement trees in its grounds but the Committee decided to provide some of the funds to two local Landcare groups to enable additional plantings off site.Upper Tucki Tucki Creek Landcare and Wilson’s River Landcarers will each receive $500 to purchase plants most of which will be purchased from NR Friends of the Koala nursery thereby benefiting another community organisation.Lismore Theatre Company President Sharon Brodie said “Lismore Theatre Company is delighted that the distress of losing some mature koala food trees early this year has turned to joy in that we are able to provide more trees for the wider community and our native wildlife to enjoy”.“The compensation we received will be multiplied in the community by the volunteer groups that do so much to enhance our natural environment”, she said.“When koala habitat is unfortunately lost, it’s important to recognise its importance and replace like-for-like’ said Luke Kane who is a member of Friends of the Koala (FoK) and LTC.“This will considerably boost our efforts to rehabilitate the creek and nearby bushland and restore habitat for wildlife. Corena Wynd from Upper Tucki Tucki Creek Landcare said “our goal is to improve and establish koala corridors and we are focused on planting along degraded riparian zones to help our struggling platypus and other wildlife. “Thank you to LTC for this help to achieve our goals.’ Dr Kristin den Exter of the Wilson’s River Landcarers Group said “the Wilson’s River Landcarer’s Group is actively replanting the riverbank - focusing on public land in Lismore. “This money will ensure more trees are planted contributing to the re-creation of lowland rainforest on the floodplain - an endangered ecological community.” 

Last year’s TURSA Art Prize competition at the Lismore Show was the biggest it had ever been.This year, with $4000 in prize money for the winners, it’s looking to be even bigger.The main acquisitive prize winner will receive $3000 and the grand champion will receive prize money of $1000.And the good news is - entries close October 4 - so there’s still time to enter your artworks.The Lismore Show this year will be held October 17 to 19, with school groups and their teachers and accompanying parents invited to come to the show for free on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 19.North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society secretary Mark Bailey said this year’s acquisitive art prize is attracting entries from all around Australia. “TURSA Employment Services has been a major sponsor of the Lismore North Coast National Show for many years,” Mr Bailey said.“This year, TURSA has doubled the prize money and this funding is what has made the TURSA Art Prize a major event in the Northern Rivers, attracting a high quality of artwork.“There’s also an art prize sponsored by MP Janelle Saffin with $400 prize money. Local sponsors are also on board, like Lismore Regional Gallery and print and art supply shops.”In fact, this year’s competition is so big, Mr Bailey said organisers had to limit the number of paintings one artists could enter to four. “Previously, there was a maximum of 10, but we have so many entries that we still have the same number of artworks even though we halved the entries," Mr Bailey said.Winners of the TURSA Art Prize will be announced on Wednesday, October 16 at 5.30pm at a free opening of the art show.“Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook will open the show in the Gem Club at Lismore Showground,” Mr Bailey said.“We’ll also have free drinks and nibbles supplied by TURSA.“It will be quite and event.”This year’s TURSA Art Prize judges are TAFE head art teacher Steven Giese and Lismore Regional Gallery director Brett Adlington.“We also have a new team of volunteers helping out including Jeht Burgoyne , the former assistant director at Ballina Gallery.”For more information or to enter the TURSA Art Prize, visithttp://www.northcoastnational.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Art-Entry-2019-Form.pdfFor more information on the Lismore Show, visit http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/